Peace River Regional District REPORT To: Chair & Directors Date: September 18, 2014 From: Subject: Trish Morgan, Manager of Community Services On behalf of the Regional Parks Committee Recommendations for the Blackfoot Park Boat Launch RECOMMENDATION 1: That the Regional Board forward information from the August 25, 2014 public meeting at Blackfoot to BC Hydro identifying an alternative location on BC Hydro property, at Clayhurst, for the construction of a public boat launch and that a meeting be scheduled between the Regional Parks Committee and BC Hydro to discuss the option. RECOMMENDATION 2: That the Regional Board send a letter to the BC Comptroller of Water Rights and the Regional Water Manager with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations recommending that BC Hydro be held accountable to fulfill their obligations under the 2007 Water Use Plan to provide safe and reliable access to the Peace River at ClayhurstlBlackfoot Regional Park. BACKGROUNDIRATIONALE: The following resolutions were passed at the September 9, 2014 Regional Parks Committee meeting: That the Regional Parks Committee recommend to the Board of Directors that information from the August 25, 2014 public meeting at Blackfoot Park be sent to BC Hydro identifying an alternative location on BC Hydro property, at CIayhurst, for the construction of a public boat launch and that a meeting be scheduled between the Regional Parks Committee and BC Hydro to discuss the option. That the Regional Parks Committee recommend to the Board of Directors that a letter be sent to the BC Comptroller of Water Rights and the Regional Water Manager with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations recommending that BC Hydro be held accountable to fulfill their obligations under the 2007 Water Use Plan to provide safe and reliable access to the Peace River at Clayhurst/Blackfoot Regional Park. On June 12, 2014 Bob Gammer, Manager of Community Relations, met with Director Goodings, Director Hiebert and Director Jarvis along with Chris Cvik, GAO and Trish Morgan, Manager of Community Services. Mr. Gammer explained that the Comptroller of Water Rights had released BC Hydro from their obligation under their Water Use Plan to construct a boat launch at Blackfoot Park but that they are open to considering other options for a boat launch Staff Initials: Dept. Head: CAO: Page 1 of 3
Report Chair and Directors September 18, 2014 Page 2 of 3 in the vicinity of Blackfoot Park, but recommendations need to be made by the end of the summer. From the meeting at Blackfoot Park on August 25, 2014 it was recommended that a launch be constructed on the property adjacent to Blackfoot park, also known as the old Greene property, where the Clayhurst ferry crossing used to be located. This property is Crown land and is regularly used for camping when Blackfoot Park is full. There was consensus amongst the group in attendance that this was the only suitable location on either side of the river. A number of community members also offered to assist with the construction should it go forward. STRATEGIC PLAN RELEVANCE: none FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION(S): none COMMUNICATIONS CONSIDERATION(S): none OTHER CONSIDERATION(S): Please see the attached meeting notes from the August 25, 2014 meeting. Excerpts from the Peace Project Water Use Plan (August 21, 2007) http://www.ceaa-acee.gc. ca/050/documents/p6391 9197604E. pdf 1.0 Introduction The conditions proposed in this Water Use Plan, for the operation of BC Hydro s Peace River hydroelectric facilities, reflect the December 2003 consensus recommendations of the Peace Project Water Use Plan Committee... The proposed conditions will change current operations at the Peace Canyon and Williston Reservoir and are expected to positively affect fisheries and wildlife habitat, shoreline conditions, flood control, and recreation interests. The proposed conditions are expected to decrease power generation revenues (page 1). 5.4 Recommended Non-Operating Alternatives for the Peace The Peace Management Plan is limited to the portion of the Peace within British Columbia between Peace Canyon Dam and the BC/Alberta border. The work would be primarily conducted from Peace Canyon Dam to the Pine River confluence. Following are the components of the Management Plan Peace Access To provide safe and reliable access to and from the Peace for the full operating range at Peace Canyon Generating Station. Four sites below Peace Canyon Dam were identified for the construction and maintenance of river access. They are: Lynx Creek, Halfway River, Peace Island Park and ClayhurstlBlackfoot Regional Park (page 12). 7.6 Recreation
Report Chair and Directors September18, 2014 Page 3 of 3 The proposed operating conditions in this Water Use Plan are expected to have a minimal affect on the access or recreation activities on Williston Reservoir. The proposed physical works (e.g., improving or constructing reliable and safe reservoir access, debris removal, etc.) are expected to improve the recreation opportunity and public safety on Williston Reservoir... The Peace operating regime is not changing. The proposed physical works are expected to provide safe and reliable access on the river at four locations. These are Peace Island Park, Lynx Creek, Halfway River and ClayhurstlBlackfoot Regional Park (page 14).
Peace River Regional District Regional Parks Committee Meeting Date: Monday, August 25, 2014 Location: Blackfoot Regional Park Present: Director Jarvis (Chair); Trish Morgan-Manager of Community Services, Jill Rickert Community Services Coordinator (Recorder) Community Members: Dave & Paula Friesen; Dave & Judy Russell, Tim & Charlie Hartnell, Steve HartneII, George Streeper, Marvin Meeres, Tim Thomsen, Dwayne Shawchek, Tim Bennett (FLNRO), John Haukings (FLNRO), Dennis Nelson, Chad & Tia Esau, Donovan & Alex Giesbrecht, Perry Piper, Roni Nelson Refreshments and a fire for roasting hotdogs prior to the meeting was supplied for everyone by the PRRD. 1. Introductions and opening remarks were stated and the meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Trish Morgan presented information and discussion to provide a background to the history of the boat launch located at Blackfoot Park. - Part of the Water Use Plan for the Peace Canyon and WAC Bennett Dam that identified Blackfoot Park as an area needing a boat launch as an obligation to communities impacted by the dams - Hydro approached the PRRD regarding a boat launch at Blackfoot Park in 2010 - In 2011 a meeting regarding plans for a boat launch was held at Doe River Community Hall to discuss options - July 2014 Comptroller of Water Rights released BC Hydro of all obligations to land bordering river, therefore no longer obligated to PRRD to maintain/build boat launch. Q: How much money do we have to work with? A: TM we don t know; FJ need to work together on a p an that s reasonable and then approach them. Q: What about the issues that Taylor has faced? A: FJ some issued occurred due to lack of knowledge regarding the nature of the vers in the north; rivers run hard and aren t deep; unfortunately cost BC Hydro more money in the long run, important to help BC Hydro understand what needs to be done here with a good solid plan Q: Are we restricted to the current location of the old launch? A: TM no not necessarily. Comment: Ideal place would be above the bridge and upriver, out of the flood plain area to avoid the launch flooding and ruining it. Comment: There is a lot of expeence and knowledge just among the people present tonight that could help and tell you where the launch should go. Group walked to current site of broken boat launch at near river...
Q: Will the new dam (Site C) stabilize the water level of the river at all? A: FJ yes in all likelihood, it could. Sfte C involves 3 major rivers located behind the dam, fewer running into it, means can control levels more with new dam Comment: It s important that if and when a new boat launch is built the old one in the current location is cleaned up. A lot of mess there, concrete and rebar, should be cleaned up before new project is started. Q: Any way there could be a bigger parking lot built if moved location of launch upriver? A: TM possibility if enough room. Group walked to Bill Greene s land across from Blackfoot park and upriver from current location of launch... Q: If boat launch built up river on Greene property, would PRRD/Hydro own it? A: TM Hydro land then hydro own it but likely PRRD would lease and run it, most likely Q: Last time some of us met with BC Hydro to discuss launch, we told them where it should go, showed them and took pictures. What happened to all that information? A: TM not sure what Hydro did with all that info, but we are going to take this information we get tonight to the next Parks Committee mtg come up with some type of plan/report to take to the Board. Q: How often would boat launch be used? A: Daily when water levels are good, very busy on weekends. At current location, vehicles get stuck all the time and need a 4 wheel drive to get out, constantly helping people get out of launch area. Q: TM Is the water at the Greene site for new launch deep enough? High river bank (20-30 ft) and erosion, wonder about the stability and recession. A: Lots of room and river plenty deep enough, could build ramp sideways (45 angle) and follow bank, fill in low spots not a lot of waste material most be utilised, very little maintenance in this area, easy area to expand with washrooms and picnic tables, keep access to public open. Comment: The location of the old ferry crossing on the Greene property is the ideal location. The river naturally slows at this location and although there is a steep bank, a ramp could be built back onto the property. (Group was in consensus that this was the only location) Comment: BC Hydro met with some of us in 2013 and we walked this property and showed them this same location. They took pictures and notes. What did BC Hydro do with all of this information? Q: TM - Cost? A: $200,000 to $300,000 to complete, lot of experience and knowledge here in community, people willing to help and donate time and equipment as long as there is money to finish it. Group walked back to Blackfoot Park and examined a map and marked the location of a potential new boat launch. 6. Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 p.m.